The second pad I bought was a regular size Therm-A-Rest ProLite 4.
Therm-A-Rest Prolite 4
I actually bought this pad from a member of the Backpacker.com forums. It was used but in “like-new” condition with a stuff sack for $50 shipped. Before I got this in the mail and was able to actually put my hands on the pad, I was a little confused with the “self-inflating” abilities. Once I got it, I soon realized that it was simple. There is a simple twist valve in one corner. Whenever the valve is open the foam inside the pad expands and draws air in, inflating the mattress. It does take time, and even after a little while I still like to add a few extra puffs for a little extra firmness. (They say it’s not good to do this as the moisture from your breath will eventually break down the foam inside-I do it anyway.)
This pad was very comfy for me. I could lay on my side and be totally comfy. Neither my shoulders or hips hit the ground while on my side. The pad rolled up pretty small, compared to the CCF pad, and it stored away in the stuff sack, or I could just put a tie around the pad and leave the stuff sack. I was impressed and knew that this pad was a keeper.
